Citizens Advice Bureau
Telephone 0870 121 2024
ADVICE AND EVENTS
'Join us!'
Sedgefield & District CAB urges would-be volunteers
Sedgefield & District Citizens Advice Bureau today launched a campaign to encourage more would-be volunteers to become part of the solution by joining the problem-solving charity at the heart of the local community.
The volunteer recruitment drive is being held as part of Advice Week 2006, which runs from 11-17 September, organised by the national umbrella organisation for bureaux, Citizens Advice.
Sedgefield & District CAB already relies on volunteers who work in a range of roles, the majority as trained advisers with others offering admin assistance and as trustees.
Now the Bureau is looking for new volunteers to train as advisers and admin workers. CAB staff come from all sorts of backgrounds. Qualifications aren't necessary as full training, including IT training, is given. Travel expenses are also paid.
Citizens Advice is one of the UK's largest voluntary organisations with nearly 21,000 volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Students, working mothers, people with disabilities, the long-term unemployed and the retired all offer valuable skills and services in bureaux.
Elaine Wilkinson has been volunteering at Sedgefield & District CAB for 8 years. She said: "Having left teaching for health reasons I wanted to help people and use the skills that I had learned in teaching. I can honestly say that I love the work and get a great sense of satisfaction each and every day. I would thoroughly recommend that anyone who has some spare time on their hands to come and see us as I feel sure that they will find it a rewarding experience'.
CAB managers Karen Stewart and Pauline Chambers said: 'Volunteers really are the backbone of every CAB. We couldn't do without the people who give their time and energy to help out. If you think you may want to join us, we'd love to hear from you'.
Karen and Pauline can be contacted on 01325 321158.
Is going bankrupt a good option?
Question
I am up to my eyes in debt and it is causing me a great deal of stress. I have heard that I could go bankrupt and wipe the slate clean. Is this true and would you recommend it?
CAB answer
Firstly there may be a number of options for sorting your debts out that could be better for you than going bankrupt. You should make an appointment with a debt adviser at the Citizens Advice Bureau who will be able to give you some expert advice on what may be your best option.
There are advantages and disadvantage in filing for bankruptcy. The pressure is taken off you because you no longer have to deal with your creditors. An official called the Official Receiver takes control of your money and property, and deals with your creditors. You will be allowed to keep household goods and a reasonable amount to live on. Normally after a year you will be able to make a fresh start and in most cases the money you owe will be written off.
However it costs approximately £460 to go bankrupt and whilst you are bankrupt you will be restricted from applying for credit. If you own your own house it will usually have to be sold and you may lose your car and other luxury items. In some professions people who have been made bankrupt would not be able to carry on working. Bankruptcy is never private; you will be listed on the Internet and it may even be published in your local paper. Some debts such as court fines will never be written off.
If you do run into debt problems, don't ignore them and hope they'll go away - they won't. Go to www.adviceguide.org.uk for advice on advice and credit, or contact your nearest CAB for free confidential, independent debt advice funded through the Big Lottery Fund and the Northern Rock Foundation.
For details of Citizens Advice Bureau sessions phone 0870 121 2024.
